3 Dieting Resolutions For The New Year

A guide to losing weight and keeping it off for life.

It’s that time of year again. The High Holidays have come and gone and so has the ritual of setting our annual resolutions. Around this time last year, many of you resolved to lose weight and change your life ‘after the holidays.’ Sound familiar? Well, how did you do?

You might have followed through on your sincere intentions and started your diet but if you're like most people, things haven't worked out the way you would've liked. There's an old saying that the definition of insanity is doing the same thing year after year and expecting a different result. For things to change, you have to change. For things to get better, you have to get better.

What do you plan on doing differently this year to achieve your goals? Your prior resolutions may not have led to your desired outcome, but reading the rest of this article can have a major impact on the results you'll see over the next 12 months.

Everyone has unique obstacles when it comes to losing weight. There are, however, certain principles that apply across the board. In this post, I identify 3 dieting resolutions for the New Year that, if acted on, will make this year the last year that you'll ever need to lose weight.

Resolution #1: No more dieting!

Make your first dieting resolution to stop dieting! Diets are for people who want to lose weight fast with very little effort. They rarely create lasting results because the dieter doesn't develop any long-term healthy habits. The diet industry is responsible for this 'get thin quick' way of thinking. Get rid of it! The weight didn't come on over night and it won't come off overnight. When it does, it almost always comes back and then some! Be willing to change. Set daily disciplines, make small changes and develop better habits that you can realistically stick to over an extended period of time. Only then will you see big-time results. If you're constantly waiting for the "right time" to start a diet and saying things like, "I'll start after Yom Tov," you've fallen victim to the diet mentality! Kick that way of thinking to the curb, got it?

Resolution #2: No more negativity!

Once you've resolved to ditch the diet mentality, your next resolution is to commit to learning how to minimize the impact of negativity in your life. "Misery loves company" is a saying that holds true. We are a product of our thoughts. Allowing others to influence the way we think directly impacts the actions we take towards achieving our goals, especially sticking to living a healthy lifestyle. This can be challenging at times. We all have hectic schedules and staying positive is not always easy. In addition, you might have close friends and family members whose negative attitudes influence you and undermine your results.

How do you simultaneously maintain those relationships without getting sucked into their negative way of thinking? This is a skill that will take time to learn. You can develop these skills by reading books and listening to audio lectures about personal growth. You can also join coaching programs and support communities like the Kosher Challenge that will teach you the life skills necessary to overcome the negative thinking patterns holding you back from reaching your goals.

Resolution #3: Never give up!

Now that you've decided to make a lifestyle change instead of dieting and are committed to maintaining a positive mindset, the next step is to understand that it won't be easy. All change is hard. Our sages say that it's harder to change one character trait than it is to learn the entire Talmud. We must turn to God and pray for Divine assistance in this process and commit to staying the course when the going gets tough.

When you were a kid, how many times did you fall before you said to yourself, "I don't think this walking thing is working out for me"? At that age, you were determined to make it happen and figure it out no matter what! Failing is part of the process. You might even put on a few pounds over Yom Tov, it comes with the territory. Accept it! Greatness is achieved by picking yourself up after yet another failed attempt and getting back on track. Knowing that failure is part of the process will empower you to overcome the desire to go back to your old ways. Your third resolution is to never give up on yourself regardless of the obstacles you face.

Call to Action

It's easy to read an article like this and get inspired. What happens after the excitement dissipates and your confronted with your first failure? Sukkot is coming and I can promise you that your eating plan won't be perfect. The problem with relying on motivation is that it simply does not last long. Your call to action is to figure out WHY you want to achieve long-term results. When you know your "why," nothing will stop you. Next, surround yourself with a support system that will empower you to get back on track when you fall off the wagon. If you'd like to join a Kosher-based support community to help you stay on track throughout the year, take a look at the Kosher Challenge. You can start by watching the free webinar titled, "How to Lose Weight without Dieting." Visit www.kosherchallenge.com.

So there you have it. These are the 3 dieting resolutions that will help you make this year the last year you'll ever have to worry about losing weight. Commit to them and let me know your results. I'd really love to hear how this works for you.

Featured at Aish.com:

About the Author

Avromy Segal is an entrepreneur, blogger and the founder of the Kosher Challenge, a Kosher-based weight loss community, that empowers Jews across the globe to ditch the diet mentality, finally lose their weight and maintain a healthy lifestyle. To learn more about the Kosher Challenge and gain access to the FREE webinar, "How to Lose Weight Without Ever Dieting," visit www.kosherchallenge.com. Avromy can be reached at avromy@kosherchallenge.com or by phone at 516-522-0407.

Visitor Comments: 32

(16)
Chana Rosen,
September 24, 2013 2:00 AM

It's working!

This is the first yontiff EVER that I've lost weight instead of gained. I put in a lot of work before this, developing my disciplines and tweaking them and working on myself -- it didn't happen overnight! But I can honestly say that I've changed from the inside and it's showing on the outside. Thanks, Avromy and the Kosher Challenge group, for all the guidance and encouragement over the past year. It works!

Avromy Segal,
September 29, 2013 3:05 AM

Good Job!!

Good job Chana! You did all the work, you deserve all the credit. Keep up the good work and thank you for sharing!

(15)
Anonymous,
September 17, 2013 12:39 AM

Interesting point

You raise an interesting point about about the dieting industy creating the get think quick mentality. You are right like most things in life it will only happen if you put serious commitment and work into it. Sounds like an refreshing approach.

Avromy Segal,
September 22, 2013 8:41 PM

Thanks. serious commitment is what it takes! Chag Sameach!

(14)
Anonymous,
September 16, 2013 7:52 PM

This sounds like a really cool new approach. I have never seen anything like this. I think it will be a great system to keep my commitments I made for myself. I think my biggest struggle is to follow up on my kabalos and I hope this can help me. I wish you a lot of hatslochah. I feel you can help many people with your program!

Anonymous,
September 22, 2013 8:42 PM

If you think about it, it's not really a 'new' approach. As it says in Koheles, "Ain davar chadash tachas hashamesh." It's a struggle juts like all other areas of growth. We must have a plan and be committed to growing past our struggles.

(13)
Anonymous,
September 16, 2013 3:23 PM

Realistic about human nature

The challenge is to confront these realities and move on to being honest with oneself and one's relationship to a healthy lifestyle. Thanks!

Anonymous,
September 22, 2013 8:44 PM

Exactly! This is the biggest challenge is taking personal responsibility for ones reality and realizing that it's within reach to turn things around.

(12)
Chana Rosen,
September 16, 2013 3:20 PM

Spot on!

I've been working with Avromy for several months now and can attest to the fact that his system of peer support and mini-challenges really works. I will continue with this system, G-d willing, even after I reach my ideal weight...his system is not only about weight loss and physical health, but any type of change one seeks to make in one's life. I can't express how grateful I am to have the support of the Kosher Challengers as I improve myself inside and out, step by step.

Anonymous,
September 22, 2013 8:45 PM

Thanks for chiming in Chana. Keep up the great work, you are one of the people that inspire me to keep going!

(11)
marcia,
September 16, 2013 1:48 PM

want to hear more

i am certainly going to look into this kosher challange. i have been struggling with my weight for years. thank you avromy and i definitely want to hear more.

Anonymous,
September 22, 2013 8:46 PM

Thanks for the comment Marcia. You can check out a free webinar I did called, "How To Lose Weight Without Dieting" by going to www.kosherchallenge.com. You can also email me and I will be glad to help in any way that i can.

(10)
C Feldstein,
September 16, 2013 3:36 AM

Fantastic

Thanks for breaking down the process to something so doable in a practical outlook. B'Hatzlacha!

Avromy Segal,
September 22, 2013 8:47 PM

I am glad your enjoyed. Chag Sameach!

(9)
Abie Favre,
September 16, 2013 3:03 AM

Awesome Article

Wow! This is just the article I needed to get me back on trackI refocused and and ready to drop my 100 pound gut.AVromy Segal hit it on the spot!

Anonymous,
September 22, 2013 8:49 PM

Thanks for sharing your comment. Stay focused and consistent and you'll reach your goal. Reach out to me if I can help in any way.

(8)
Anonymous,
September 16, 2013 2:41 AM

Sounds Good

I agree whole heartedly with your approach. I will pass the word along!

Anonymous,
September 22, 2013 8:49 PM

Thank you!

(7)
Anonymous,
September 16, 2013 1:17 AM

I really liked how you encourage not to wait till after yom tov. I feel very inspired for this year. I look forward to reading more of your articles

Anonymous,
September 22, 2013 8:50 PM

Thank you!

(6)
Rivka,
September 16, 2013 1:10 AM

Thanks for the amazing message

With yom tov coming up and Shabbos always a few days away, it's great to know that there is a Jewish place to turn to. Thank you for this amazing article.

Anonymous,
September 22, 2013 8:51 PM

Support is key when it comes to creating a long-term lifestyle change. Surround yourself with a great support network and you'll jump right back on track after yom tov!
Chag Sameach!

(5)
Anonymous,
September 15, 2013 8:50 PM

Hooray, Hooray............ Finally a way to lose weight anonymously, without going to meetings and getting weighed iin! On top of THAT It understands our Shabbatot and Yom Tovim and having dinner guests over, (so hard to lose). I hope we will see more of this Kosher Chalenge with this guy Avromy Segal. He is very inspirational !

Anonymous,
September 22, 2013 8:52 PM

Thanks for sharing your thoughts. I am glad you enjoyed it!

(4)
scott,
September 15, 2013 8:44 PM

My story

About ten years ago I found myself working for this guy. At 50 he could work 20 hours a day. He was a machine. I was not. Still am not.

So we were consulting for a pharma co and one of the vice presidents suggested that I might be ADD. I saw a shrink and got some Ritalin. Huge doses. Insane. I went from 190 to 160 in about a six weeks. Never ate. Actually had to remind myself that I needed two meals a day to stay alive.

After eight weeks I recognized the insanity and stopped the Ritalin. But I never gained all the weight back. Why?

I broke the connection between life events and eating. I didn't eat because it was noon or I was invited to a dinner party. When I watched a football game I didn't snack. When I was on speed (Ritalin is nothing but speed) I learned that eating was for one reason only-to get energy for my body and should only be done when hungry.

I never went back to old habits. Just because the guy across the table is eating...I don't have to. I love good food and when I am hungry I eat it. If someone puts too much food on my plate I leave it. And I reject the idea that I ever need to put something in my mouth to be social, to feel better or because the clock says its time to do so.

I eat crap. And I've never got back up to 190. Probably never will.

Want to be skinny? Stop eating when you're no longer hungry. And try to think about food consumed past your full point as poison. Some days you may only eat once...because you aren't hungry.

And oh yeah..if it comes out of a box-it's not food.

It's really simple.

Anonymous,
September 22, 2013 8:56 PM

Simple isn't the solution...

Hi Scott, thanks so much for telling your story.
The thing about things that are simple to do is that they are also simple not to do.
What people need more than anything is to change the way they think about losing weight and understand that to know and not to act is not to know.
It's time we ditch the dieting mentality and started focusing on small things that we can stick to every day for life. it might not come off overnight, but that's ok!
Thanks for sharing
Chag Sameach.

(3)
Michael Rush,
September 15, 2013 8:43 PM

Great Article

I really enjoyed the tips you give and the inspiration for weight loss. Thanks!

Anonymous,
September 22, 2013 8:52 PM

I am glad you enjoyed!
Chag Sameach

(2)
Anonymous,
September 15, 2013 6:06 PM

Perfect Timing

This article couldn't have come at a better time for me. For years I've been saying "after yontef I'm really going to be disciplined and lose X pounds." And of course, I always get down on myself as I find myself in the same position when the next yontef rolls around. I'm ready for some serious accountability. Looking forward to checking out the Kosher Challenge, thanks ... and good luck to all of you who are wondering how they're going to make it through Sukkos without increasing their dress size.

Anonymous,
September 15, 2013 8:34 PM

Thanks for sharing your feedback. You are most definitely not alone. It's a mentality that we as a community must break in order to achieve the long-term results we all so desperately crave. Don't hesitate to contact me if I can help you in any way.

(1)
Donna,
September 15, 2013 3:43 PM

Thank you

I joined the Kosher Challenge a couple months ago. It works! I appreciate the positive feedback from Avromy and the other participants during the weekly conference calls and Facebook page. And I am losing weight!

Avromy Segal,
September 15, 2013 8:29 PM

You did the work, you deserve the credit. Keep up the great work Donna!

I live in rural Montana where the Cholov Yisrael milk is difficult to obtain and very expensive. So I drink regular milk. What is your view on this?

The Aish Rabbi Replies:

Jewish law requires that there be rabbinic supervision during the milking process to ensure that the milk comes from a kosher animal. In the United States, many people rely on the Department of Agriculture's regulations and controls as sufficiently stringent to fulfill the rabbinic requirement for supervision.

Most of the major Kashrut organizations in the United States rely on this as well. You will therefore find many kosher products in America certified with a 'D' next to the kosher symbol. Such products – unless otherwise specified on the label – are not Cholov Yisrael and are assumed kosher based on the DOA's guarantee.

There are many, however, do not rely on this, and will eat only dairy products that are designated as Cholov Yisrael (literally, "Jewish milk"). This is particularly true in large Jewish communities, where Cholov Yisrael is widely available.

Rabbi Moshe Feinstein wrote that under limited conditions, such as an institution which consumes a lot of milk and Cholov Yisrael is generally unavailable or especially expensive, American milk is acceptable, as the government supervision is adequate to prevent non-kosher ingredients from being added.

It should be added that the above only applies to milk itself, which is marketed as pure cow's milk. All other dairy products, such as cheeses and butter, may contain non-kosher ingredients and always require kosher certification. In addition, Rabbi Feinstein's ruling applies only in the United States, where government regulations are considered reliable. In other parts of the world, including Europe, Cholov Yisrael is a requirement.

There are additional esoteric reasons for being stringent regarding Cholov Yisrael, and because of this it is generally advisable to consume only Cholov Yisroel dairy foods.

In 1889, 800 Jews arrived in Buenos Aires, marking the birth of the modern Jewish community in Argentina. These immigrants were fleeing poverty and pogroms in Russia, and moved to Argentina because of its open door policy of immigration. By 1920, more than 150,000 Jews were living in Argentina. Juan Peron's rise to power in 1946 was an ominous sign, as he was a Nazi sympathizer with fascist leanings. Peron halted Jewish immigration to Argentina, introduced mandatory Catholic religious instruction in public schools, and allowed Argentina to become a haven for fleeing Nazis. (In 1960, Israeli agents abducted Adolf Eichmann from a Buenos Aires suburb.) Today, Argentina has the largest Jewish community in Latin America with 250,000, though terror attacks have prompted many young people to emigrate. In 1992, the Israeli Embassy in Buenos Aires was bombed, killing 32 people. In 1994, the Jewish community headquarters in Buenos Aires was bombed, killing 85 people. The perpetrators have never been apprehended.

Be aware of what situations and behaviors give you pleasure. When you feel excessively sad and cannot change your attitude, make a conscious effort to take some action that might alleviate your sadness.

If you anticipate feeling sad, prepare a list of things that might make you feel better. It could be talking to a specific enthusiastic individual, running, taking a walk in a quiet area, looking at pictures of family, listening to music, or reading inspiring words.

While our attitude is a major factor in sadness, lack of positive external situations and events play an important role in how we feel.

[If a criminal has been executed by hanging] his body may not remain suspended overnight ... because it is an insult to God (Deuteronomy 21:23).

Rashi explains that since man was created in the image of God, anything that disparages man is disparaging God as well.

Chilul Hashem, bringing disgrace to the Divine Name, is one of the greatest sins in the Torah. The opposite of chilul Hashem is kiddush Hashem, sanctifying the Divine Name. While this topic has several dimensions to it, there is a living kiddush Hashem which occurs when a Jew behaves in a manner that merits the respect and admiration of other people, who thereby respect the Torah of Israel.

What is chilul Hashem? One Talmudic author stated, "It is when I buy meat from the butcher and delay paying him" (Yoma 86a). To cause someone to say that a Torah scholar is anything less than scrupulous in meeting his obligations is to cause people to lose respect for the Torah.

Suppose someone offers us a business deal of questionable legality. Is the personal gain worth the possible dishonor that we bring not only upon ourselves, but on our nation? If our personal reputation is ours to handle in whatever way we please, shouldn't we handle the reputation of our nation and the God we represent with maximum care?

Jews have given so much, even their lives, for kiddush Hashem. Can we not forego a few dollars to avoid chilul Hashem?

Today I shall...

be scrupulous in all my transactions and relationships to avoid the possibility of bringing dishonor to my God and people.

With stories and insights,
Rabbi Twerski's new book Twerski on Machzor makes Rosh Hashanah prayers more meaningful. Click here to order...